Home ❯ Interpersonal vs. non-interpersonal traumas

Interpersonal vs. non-interpersonal traumas

How is interpersonal and non-interpersonal traumas related to PTSD?

Exposure to at least one trauma is required for a diagnosis of PTSD. The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) determines direct traumas as threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence. Indirect traumas include witnessing the trauma, or learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to a trauma. Differences in trauma characteristics, including the severity and type of exposure, can affect the risk of developing PTSD. Personal characteristics such as age and sex also influence risk.

Interpersonal traumas are those that involve interaction with other people, such as domestic abuse, while non-interpersonal traumas are those that do not involve interaction with other people, such as natural disasters.

What is the evidence for PTSD in people exposed to interpersonal versus non-interpersonal traumas?

Moderate quality evidence finds the incidence of PTSD following interpersonal trauma is around 25%, and around 10% following non-interpersonal trauma.

In boys, the incidence of PTSD following interpersonal trauma is around 17%, and around 8% following non-interpersonal trauma. In girls, the incidence of PTSD following interpersonal trauma is around 33%, and around 13% following non-interpersonal trauma.

August 2021

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Last updated at: 11:43 pm, 11th October 2021
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